New Orleans Saints Aug. 13 afternoon practice report

On-and-off rain plagued Wednesday afternoon's practice, but the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans stayed outside and got a closer look at each other.

A few observations:

• Quarterback Drew Brees had the Texans' defensive line in his face and looked rattled during the first play of team drills, causing him to call a timeout. On the next play, he had Texans defensive end Mario Williams as close as he could be.

• The Saints' first-team offense and second-team offense both had two-minute drills against the Texans' defense that ended in interceptions. Mark Brunell was intercepted near the end zone by cornerback Derrick Roberson, and Brees was intercepted in the end zone by cornerback Jamar Fletcher.

• Running back Pierre Thomas had several receptions during Brunell's two-minute drill, and he had one drop that came right to his hands.

• The play of the day might have been a complete pass from Brunell to receiver David Patten, who was well covered but grabbed the ball near the sideline about 25-30 yards away during the final round of team drills.

• Tyler Palko threw an interception to Texans cornerback Antwaun Molden in his final drive, but he followed it up with a nice pass of 25-30 yards up the middle to tight end Billy Miller.